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Lincoln Highway – The Nation’s first coast to coast highway.The first visible remnant of the former Lincoln Highway in Indiana jogs off course of U.S. 30, a few yards from the Ohio state line. It's one of those "blink and you miss it" intersections, a two-lane, asphalt relic easily bypassed by motorists looking for the fastest route to nearby Fort Wayne.
This Lincoln Highway Indiana 1924 strip map shows the route through Indiana. It was prepared by the Lincoln Highway Association, Detroit Michigan The genesis of the Lincoln Highway began when Indiana automotive pioneer Carl G. Fisher conceived his idea of “The Coast-to-Coast Rock Highway” in October 1912. In 1913, The Lincoln Highway became the first coast-to-coast highway. It joined New York City to San Francisco and other cities and towns along its 13 state, 3,389 mile route, capturing the American imagination along the way. The 1913 route in Indiana began near the Hoosier Homestead Farm, east of the settlements of Townley, Zulu, and Besancon, where the traveler can now experience original road remnants. In Besancon, the St. Louis Catholic Church and the one-room schoolhouse are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As the route approaches New Haven, you can follow State Route 930 today into Fort Wayne. A worthwhile stop in Fort Wayne is Cindy’s Diner at the corner of Harrison and Wayne Streets. The owners fulfill the mission printed in their menu: “We serve the World…fifteen at a time!” Leaving Fort Wayne, today’s travelers cross the St. Mary’s River on the original Harrison Street bridge, built in 1915. The route follows U.S. 33 all the way to Elkhart. A number of old road segments are along this road. A noted establishment in Churubusco is The Magic Wand drive-in restaurant where Magic Burgers and ice cream concoctions are big sellers. Along the road in Merriam is the burial site of Samuel Wilson, an 1812 war soldier, who is believed by local town folks to serve as the inspiration for America’s Uncle Sam. Next, route travelers pass through Wolf Lake, Kimmel, and Ligonier. Just south of Ligonier, the route turns north on State Route 5, which is Lincoln Way south. The Indiana Historical Radio Museum at 800 Lincoln Way South, housed in a 1920’s era filling station, is home to over 400 antique and classic radios. At the northwest corner of Lincoln Way west and Lincoln Way south (a.k.a. Cavin Street) is the building that housed the Mier Carriage and Buggy Company, the former home of two automobile models from 1903 to 1910. The journey continues west on Lincoln Way to U.S. 33. In Goshen, at the southeast corner of the courthouse square, be sure to check out the Goshen Police booth erected in 1939, “To protect the Maple City from gangsters who might travel along this the old transcontinental Lincoln Highway.” In Elkhart, visit the Recreational Vehicle and Motor Home Hall of Fame, at 21565 Executive Parkway, which celebrates the city as the RV manufacturing capital of the world. Elkhart is also known as producing most of the brass band instruments in America and home of the pharmaceutical firm, Miles Laboratories. Continue your travel west out of Elkhart. U.S. 33 turns into Lincoln Way west of Osceola and flows through Mishawaka. West of Mishawaka, on the northside of the road is the AM General plant that produces military and civilian versions of the High Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle or HUMMER®. Travel west on Lincoln Way to South Bend. South Bend’s automotive heritage is celebrated at the Studebaker National Museum at 201 S. Chapin Street. Lincoln Way west turns in to U.S. 20. In New Carlislie, take a side trip south to State Route 2 to visit Bendix Woods County Park. The park is the former 840-acre Studebaker Proving Ground where the half-mile strand of pine trees planted in 1937 is the largest arboreal sign in the world and forms STUDEBAKER. Back on U.S. 20, it merges into State Route 2 east of Rolling Prairie. Next along the route is LaPorte. A historical note distinguishing LaPorte is that the Munson Company produced what might have been the first gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles in America in the late 1890’s. The LaPorte County Museum, at 2405 Indiana Avenue, contains automotive treasures spanning 100 years. One is the 1929 Auburn Cabin Speedster. Back on State Route 2, cruise through Westville and then in to Valparaiso on Lincolnway. In Valparaiso, the community preserved the Frostop Root Beer mug sign as a landmark. Travelers desiring local roadside dining can sample Culver’s known for ButterBurgers® and Frozen Custard or the Big Wheel Restaurant. One of the town’s famous residents was Orville Redenbacher of “Gourmet Popping Corn” fame. West of town, Joliet Road merges with U.S. 30 and the newer alignment of the Lincoln Highway through Deep River, Merrillville, Schererville, and Dyer. There are four links to Lincoln Highway history in these last few miles in Indiana. First, is a stop at Teibel’s restaurant at the intersection of U.S. 30 and U.S. 41. Established in 1929, the eatery is renowned for fried chicken and heaping bowls of side dishes. A little farther west, on the south side of the highway is the Henry C. Ostermann memorial bench, dedicated to the Lincoln Highway Association field secretary who died in a 1920 crash on the route. This part of the highway was part of the Sauk Trail, traversed by Indians and early settlers. Just west is the “Ideal Section,” a 1.3-mile section of four-lane roadway opened in 1923, as a demonstration project of innovative features like electric lights and pedestrian walkways. After crossing the restored Plum Creek bridge built in 1913, the Lincoln leaves Indiana. I recommend five Lincoln Highway books. The Lincoln Highway: Main Street across America, by Drake Hokanson, ISBN 0877456763; The Lincoln Highway: coast to coast from Times Square to the Golden Gate, by Michael Wallis & Michael S Williamson, ISBN 0393059383; Greetings from the Lincoln Highway: America’s First Coast-to-Coast Road, by Brian Butko, ISBN 081170128X; A Complete Official Road Guide of the Lincoln Highway Fifth Edition, republished by The Patrice Press, ISBN 1880397390; and American Road: The Story of an Epic Transcontinental Journey at the Dawn of the Motor Age, Pete Davies, ISBN 0805072977. Back to: Backroads – A trip back in time traveling Indiana’s highways and byways
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